Page 59 of Alien Protector's Mate

“What if…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. She bit her lip, gathering her courage. “What if that’s what I want?”

In an instant, he moved, and she found herself on her back, the soft grass cushioning her as he braced himself above her. His powerful arms caged her in, his body a wall of heat pressing against her. Her breath caught as she looked up at him, seeing the fierce hunger in his eyes.

“Do you understand what you’re saying?” he demanded, voice low and intense. “Claiming you means more than just physical pleasure, little mouse. It’s a bond, a commitment. Once we join, there’s no going back.”

Her heart raced, and she was hyperaware of every point of contact between them. She could feel the hard planes of his chest against her softer curves, the strength in his thighs as they bracketed her own. Pinned her. Then his words sank in…

“I…” she paused, searching his expression. “I’ve never felt this way before. It’s all so new, so overwhelming. But when I’m with you, I feel… safe. Wanted. Like I belong somewhere for the first time in my life.”

His expression softened, and he cupped her cheek gently. “You do belong. Here, with me. But we don’t have to rush this. I want you to be sure. To be ready.”

She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes to savor the warmth of his palm against her skin. When she opened them again, she met his gaze with determination.

“I may not understand everything about Latharian customs or what claiming truly means,” she said softly, “but I know how I feel. I want you, S’aad. All of you.”

A low growl rumbled in his chest, sending vibrations through her body. Leaning down, he pressed his forehead against hers. “Are you certain?” he asked, his breath hot against her lips. “Once we start, I won’t be able to stop.”

Her hands smoothed over his shoulders, and she felt the tension coiled in his muscles. She marveled at his control, holding himself back for her sake. It only made her want him more.

“I’m sure,” she whispered, tilting her chin up to brush her lips against his. “Please, S’aad. I want this. I want you.”

His eyes darkened with desire as he captured her lips in a searing kiss. The world fell away as she lost herself in the sensation, her fingers threading through his hair as she held him close. Their bodies pressed closer, the heat between them building to a fever pitch.

Suddenly, he broke away with a groan, leaving her breathless and confused. Her heart sank. Had he changed his mind?

“S’aad?” she asked hesitantly, trying to stop her voice betraying her.

He pressed his forehead to hers, his breathing ragged.

“It’s not no,” he reassured her. “It’s just not here.”

Before Jade could ask what he meant, the sound of laughter and shouting broke through the peaceful atmosphere of their secluded spot. A group of young Latharian warriors burst through the trees, engrossed in a ballgame. They skidded to a halt when they saw S’aad and Jade.

“Our apologies, healer,” one said, bowing slightly to S’aad. “We did not mean to interrupt your time with your lady.”

S’aad waved off their apology. “No harm done. Carry on with your game.”

The young warriors moved away, and the two of them began clearing up the picnic, the air between them crackling with electricity. Each brush of their hands sent tingles racing over her skin, and she found herself hyperaware of S’aad next to her, of the heat radiating from his body and the scent of his skin. S’aad seemed just as affected. His movements were tight and jerky, as if he was fighting to keep control. Their eyes clashed and held. She saw a burning need in those vivid green depths that caught her breath.

As she reached for another container, his large hand covered hers. He used the touch as an excuse to pull her closer, swooping down to capture her lips in a searing kiss. She melted against him, her body molding to his solid frame like she’d been made to be there. A perfect fit.

He pulled away with reluctance, looking down at her.

“We should go,” he said, his voice husky with restrained desire.

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Her body tingled from head to toe, every nerve ending alive with awareness.

They left the park hand in hand, walking briskly through the station’s corridors. Her heart raced, and anticipation built with each step. She glanced sideways at him, admiring his strong profile and determined jawline. He was handsome as hell, and allhers.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked softly, pulling on her hand and stopping her in the corridor as they approached their quarters. Giving her one last chance to change her mind, she realized, and her heart softened at his caring. If she hadn’t already fallen in love with him, she would have in that moment.

She squeezed his hand. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

His eyes darkened, and he pulled her close, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

“Then let’s go home,” he murmured and, taking her hand, led her through the door and into their quarters.

Jade’s pulseraced as she followed S’aad through the door into his…theirquarters. A charged silence stretched between them as he pulled her toward him, spinning her to face him. She collided with his broad chest. Their gazes clashed, locked, and for a moment she couldn’t breathe. Sliding her hands up his heavily muscled chest, she watched as his eyes darkened and grew hotter. An answering heat rolled through her as he bent his head. She closed her eyes as their lips met in a gentle kiss that sent shivers down her spine.

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